NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) has a requirement for the continuation of Contract NNG06EA09C with Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) for flight operations and science analyses of the Lunar Exploration Neutron Detector (LEND) aboard the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) spacecraft. CSC is currently performing LEND safety and health oversight for the LEND instrument, including engineering parameter review and trending, as well as participating in the science operations which includes initiating all commands to the instrument and planning all instrument modes and turn-ons.

NASA/GSFC intends to issue a sole-source Request for Proposal (RFP) to CSC. The estimated period of performance of this firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract extension will be for 2-years from March 16, 2013 through March 15, 2015.

CSC is the only organization currently qualified to perform the subject requirement for the following reasons: 1) CSC possesses the high level scientific expertise, the detailed knowledge of the LEND instrument and LRO spacecraft, and the capability to carry out the calibration and operations in a combined manner in which scientific operations and the flight operations can be merged; 2) CSC personnel are unique in their familiarity with the LEND instrument design, testing and calibration as well as the LRO spacecraft since the company was a key part of the team which designed, fabricated, calibrated, tested, and integrated the LEND instrument for the LRO spacecraft, including at the spacecraft level after delivery to LRO; 3) CSC scientists have helped lead the effort in the community to analyze the data products from the LEND instrument, and current LEND team members are the only organization with the capability to carry out the combined scientific and instrument operations. Since no other organization was involved with these activities on an in-depth level, no other organization currently has the knowledge and experience to perform the requirement.

Statutory authority for this procurement is 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1)--Only One Responsible Source. However, organizations who believe they can provide these services without any detrimental impact to the program schedules supported by this work should fully identify their interest and capabilities within 15 days after publication of this synopsis. Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform the effort in writing to the identified point of contact not later than 4:30 p.m. local time on November 29, 2012. Such capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed effort on a full and open competition basis, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the government. All responsible sources may submit an offer which shall be considered by the agency.

The Government does not intend to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12. See Note 26. An Ombudsman has been appointed. See NASA Specific Note "B". Any referenced notes may be viewed at the following URLs linked below.